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Hi everyone! So I started my diet today before surgery. Breakfast- slim fast Snack- pudding & snapple Lunch- slim fast Snack- Jello Dinner- 2 fish (not fried in a pan with lemon juice & Water & season) 1 can of beets Total 820 calories I must have 1000 or less. So far I'm doing great.

You go!! You look beautiful???? I am 42 with several medical issues myself. Asthma, sickle cell, diabetic, high blood pressure, end stage kidney disease, and i am legally blind. I am 8 weeks post-op from my gastric bypass. I had no pain, went home the next day, and lost 44lbs in 7 weeks. My doctor felt i lost too much to fast and put me on a regular diet. I still can not eat the amount of food the dr and nut is asking for. I only take in about 400cal. I continue to drink my protein shakes. At my heaviest i was 398lbs. August 5th 2014 i was 239, surgery August 12th 2014 i was 229, today October 13th 2014, i am 195lbs. I cant remember being this small any time in my adult life.???? Congrats on your decision to lose the weight, no matter at what age you may be.....you look GREAT!!

I've also had two friends that did the Gastric Bypass. The best advice...don't hop on that scale too often. Your body has been used to eating and receiving calories a certain way. It's going to fight to keep your weight because your body will naturally try to regulate itself. so don't sweat the scale too much. Instead focus on how your clothes are fitting you. I had my surgery in December and what I notice is that I'll drop weight and level off then it starts again. I visit my scale about every two weeks. I've dropped from a 26/28 to an 18/20 and I'm sure I'm about to dip further. I love to cook and I love good food. I don't substitute the real stuff, such as sugar. But I will, when I can add tofu for Protein, rice paper for flour tortillas and sandwich thins by Oroweat for bread. And stay away from carbonated drinks, it took me a good two months before the carb and soda cravings stopped. Good Luck

Here is the order we are going for the surgery at this hospital... (and bypass/sleeve patients follow this also) Initial Class (seminar) with the surgeon Second class with the coordinator Nutrition class (Post op and after care dietary life changes) Mandatory "support group" nutrition class (general) nutrition class (pt 2 of the general nut' class) back to the coordinator Psych eval Back to the coordinator again for final nod or to be told try again Meet and greet one and one with surgeon to make pre-op appts (tests paperwork etc) and to make the surgical date!! Pre-op check in (blood work, etc) Surgery!

I had my Lap Band placed in July 2006, My BMI was 103 and my surgeon too tried to push the bypass or vg and I said no because I wanted the slower and more permanent weight loss in my opinion and I also felt that I could lose the weight I needed to lose. My year is coming up and I have so far lost 130 lbs, I have to update my ticker. It does require work on your part, but worth it in my opinion. My hardest times for me are in between fills. I say get as many as you need, I didnt at first but now I am getting them alot more. I hope this helps. Good Luck in what ever surgery you choose.

I had a BMI pretty close to what you're talking about, and my surgeon didn't have any objection to me getting the band. Personally, I feel that the gastric bypass should be considered a true last resort due to that permanent malabsorption aspect to it, and the amount of weight I've lost with teh band has definitely had a dramatic positive impact on my life, so I am glad that I had the option to go for the band.

Anytime, Rose. I, too had a revision from the band to VSG. Best decision EVER.

no to almanza the butcher. there is a fb page called something like Mexican Weight Loss Surgeons or Weight Loss surgeons in Mexico Thie is a page that does NOT allow anyone to join that is involved with the surgeons, as in, works for thesurgeons in any way. It is a place where people who have had bad experiences can feel free to write about their experiences without hassle. Just google almanza and see what has happened. go with bariatric pal. I hope you are getting the MGB, i've researched it a very long time and it has amazing results, its a short operation and it is reversible and revisable. You get to keep your stomach. good luck.

Welcome to VST! I was considered "light weight," but my bmi was 39.6. I know I've read of people who had vsg at bmi's between 30-35, but cannot remember if they were revision surgeries or not. I believe most have gone to surgeons in Mexico though...wish I had specifics to give to you. Good luck on your journey! I also started looking at the band first and so glad I discovered the sleeve.

So I have been told that I have to have surgery prior to getting another surgery. I have never considered WLS in the past because I have always been able to keep my weight down with diet and exercise.....until I had a colon resection that I have yet to heal from. The last year has been a painful reminder that I am getting older and unable to recover like I used to. Because of my colon resection, I am unable to get the bypass surgery so my only option is the sleeve. I hope that it will be enough of a tool to help me lose this weight so I can get my second surgery done and on with my life. I have a four month wait period because my insurance still says that this is an elective regardless of the fact that my doctors (I have seen 4 different doctors and have been told the same thing) say that it is medically necessary. Next week I go in for my psych examine and to finally see my nutritionist, as well as have a ton of blood work done, a chest x-ray and something to do with my heart. I have tried to look at this as a plus, as it will help me lose some weight that I have been unable to lose as I have grown older. But at the same time, it is an extreme response to a problem that was created by another problem. I am not given any other options so I have no choice but to accept the diagnosis and move on. If anybody has any insight, I would appreciate it.

Can anybody tell me if the size of a sleeved stomach is a standard thing or does it vary from person to person? I had my band removed three months ago and gained back 21lbs in that time - so am worried that my sleeve will be bigger than a standard sleeve because I dont have that much weight to lose. I just dont want to be able to eat larger portion sizes than I could with the band as I know that is what kept my weight off for 10 years. I hear about everybody being happy with the conversion but if there is anybody in a similar situation to me who could tell me how much they lost after surgery and whether they actually lost more than their goal weight because they were not that overweight at the time of revision. Thank you in advance kind people. Sent from my SM-G955F using BariatricPal mobile app

Even though I never noticed any signs of reflux the scope revealed severe damage from it. They even told me I was at a high risk for esophagus cancer. The surgeon said he would not do the gastric sleeve because it would be suicide. I know my esophagus was good after my pre Lap-Band scope. I know some women who have had the bypass including my mother, but no men. I was wondering what I can expect as far as muscle loss and that sort of thing. Thanks for everyone's input.

The DS is rarely performed. I think statistically it accounts for 0.5% of weight loss surgeries, meaning it might not be the most appropriate option. Getting a re-sleeve less than 2 years after an original sleeve is absolutely ridiculous and I have no idea why any insurance would cover it or surgeon would perform it. Having a sleeve to a bypass is a reasonable option. Especially if you think reflux is a factor. I just noticed this post is almost 2 months old though, so im gonna stop here.

well two years ago when I began I just had one that my insurance company sent me to got half way through with the process then decided to give it a little bit and see if i could give it a real chance.. then after all that stuff with my dad (the worlds greatest dad) I actually talked to a couple friends that did more research than i had and they had bypass with this one of two docs that i am going to see. They actually hold several patents in laparoscopic surgery. and was one of the first ever to preform that type of surgery.. His name is dr steven scott. I feel very comfortable with knowing all of those things.:sad:

Welcome. I know there are other folks on here from Israel. You posted to the Gastric Bypass forum. Have you already decided on the bypass? I was recently sleeved after a very long time preparing. I was completely against any kind of surgery until my Dr. convinced me to just check it out and learn more. I found that the little knowledge I had was very outdated. I, too was very obese but until the past few years hasn't had any major health issues. Then, I started to fall apart. Today, I couldn't be happier with my recovery and more hopeful about my future. Best of luck with your journey. BariatricPal is an invaluable resource.

I was not interested in Malabsorption. I wanted to be able to take meds and supplements and not worrying about the dosing for the rest of my life. I also wanted to be as normal as possible, which was easily achieved with the sleeve I don't know anyone who as even had the bypass and got to a normal weight. They are all still obese. Gold standard my ^%$.

Hi everyone, I had my gastric bypass on Sept 5 and I'm glad I found this awesome app. Looking forward to having all of you for support and feedback.

I think people who have gastric bypass get loose skin from losing 100 pounds overnight. The lap band is more gradual. If you are young and your skin is good, and you do slow steady weight loss, plastic surgery might not be necessary. My last big weight loss before the lap band was 60 lbs and I didnt have loose skin because it was gradual (over 2 yrs). I dont see myself getting plastic surgery now except that my boobs are headed south and that seriously bugs me but they look good in a bra.

Hi all, I just saw a doctor yesterday and discussed getting lap band surgery. She does not suggest that I get it because of my extreme obesity. She feels the gastric bypass would be more effective. Apparently, you can cheat easily with the band and it will take alot of will power to actually have the band be effective. I am 335 lbs now and want to lose 185 lbs. Should I just get the more aggressive surgery, even though it is much more extreme? I have PCOS, insulin resistance and many other problems and I am only 30 and still want to have a child. Please help with some advice! Thanks. Nicole:confused:

I've had both so I feel like I comment and tell you my experience, and with confidence can tell you that the problems with the band are not worth your time, energy, frustration, risks of complications, and pure hell. I can say my band horror story with you, but don't want you to think that my experience is unique. It's very common, and more and more patients are seeking revisions or having to have their bands removed because of permanent damage. This topic has a lot of good information: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/23383-considering-lapband-read-this-first/page__pid__197846#entry197846 I will be more than happy to share with you the gory details of my experience, but here is some statistical information regarding the band. This information is from the makers of the band. http://www.lapband.com/en/learn_about_lapband/safety_information/ You can check my blog on here for sleeve research links, statistical information, and then make an informed decision. No one could pay me to have or recommend a band. Not even to my worse enemy. It's not pleasant, and while it is advertised as reversible, what the surgeons(who still push the band) and the manufacturers neglect to tell you is that once the band is in place, it can be removed, or revised, but they never mention the amount of damage your stomach tissue may have after removal.

Time to start this journey [03 Sep 2006|10:57am] [music | The first time ever I saw your face [03 Sep 2006|10:57am When did it hit me? When Chris said, "think of all the things you would have done in Alaska had you not had a mobility issue"(?) Probably. It all seem to come to synchronicity (great album BTW). Half day at school, I needed to renew my prescriptions and see the doctor about that darn rash. I went to my dentist after school let out and had that off bite drilled down since it hadn't really felt right since doing the new filling. It took but a brief five minutes and I found myself back out in my car and heading towards Main Street. Left. I think I'll get those prescriptions in person rather than waiting for the pharmacy to call them in. Five blocks away and I was parking right next to the front door. How often does that happen? I walked up to the window and signed in and sat down. "Mrs. Reeves did you have an appointment?", a new receptionist peered out from the glass partition, "No I just happened to be in New Port Richey for a dentist appointment and need to have a rash looked at" (TMI I though to myself, too much information) but it seemed to appease her and I waited. Less than ten minutes and I was walking down the hallway past the examination rooms, going, going, to the last room which I know to be my doctor's preferred examination room. Wednesday, he's not there on Wednesdays, it's his day off. "What are you here for today?". I like the older staff. I know them, they take their time and I can ask about the issue "downunda" without feeling like the PHCC grad staff is "sewgrossing" about it at lunch. I tell her all of the truth, that I have a rash down there and that I have another rash on my arm. My back is killing me ( couldn't be that extra 200 pounds could it..answer your own question Patty, YES!) The list is long. She smiles, she comforts me and takes my blood pressure. She leaves. I'm waiting for the nurse practioner to come in but I hear my doctor's familiar pitch and tone. It's Wednesday, he isn't here on Wednesdays. The door opens and my nurse has returned, "Is Dr. Sichelman here?" "yes" "he isn't here on Wednesdays it's his day off" I tell her, "Dr. Galadi is on vacation so he is covering" she tells me. (how often does that happen?) This is going to be a day for unexpected things. My doctor comes in, I show him my rash on my arm, it's not really anything what else? There is the lump on my stomach in the mass of large fat on my belly I feel a pea like object, he feels it, it's nothing. He notices the rash below my stomach. I've been treating it with ointment for how long? (should I tell him years? Should I tell him two baths a day?) "it's been there awhile" I managed. He pulls at my underpants and notices another flush of skin below that. I admitted sex hadn't been what it use to be and he tells me to go to my OBGYN, "we really don't deal with that". Before I know it the conversation has turned with the problem at the moment and he begins examining me. This is a man of medicine, a healer at heart and I never appreciate him more than this moment. I have a staph infection and then a yeast infection. Before I leave there I will end up have a stack of nine separate prescriptions. I cover myself back up and sit down on the bench. He sits down at the other end and the nurse is stationed with my chart and a pen at the desk. The greater question, the greater issue, my weight. "So when are we going to get this weight off?" It's a question, a subject that he and I have talked about for years. My doctor of 16 years. Through the phase of Phen-Fen, Meridian, Redux, 1200 calories, 1800 calories, over the counter products into last year and the diagnosis of Type I Diabetes, rehabilitation to begin some type of activity until now. It's serious. My back is giving under the pressure, I take Lasix for water retention, blood pressure medication and he switches me today to two types of medication. "I know Doctor. I don't know what to do. I've tried, I've tried for years." This is a moment of honesty, the reality that my life is on the line. He tells me I'm looking at ten years. (ten years until my body breaks a blood vessel in my brain, tens years until my heart faults, ten years of semi goodness left in my body) He goes on to tell me about another patient. "He had the same problem as you. He had the gastric surgery, came in a few months back and I hardly recognized him." *A year ago I couldn't have, wouldn't have entertained this procedure* I can do this on my own I said. But a year later and an increase in 25 pounds told me that there comes a time when one has to admit they are in over their head. I was in over my head and I knew it. "Where did he go?" I was ready. I'll take some fries with that bypass [05 Sep 2006|11:59am] I refused to go to Community Hospital. Some how my brain is in 1983 with my first pregnancy and the halting news of things that had happened in this antiquated facility. But that was then, this is now. Reconstruction, new specialists are the norm for hospitals. This one has taken on the issue of obesity with a center for Weight Loss Surgery. I called three gastric doctors before realizing that there was going to be more than just a surgery. I went online and found the center's information site and read. I read for perhaps an hour. There was gastric bypass surgery, there was another type of surgery that was invasive. There was also the type of incision. I was quickly opting for laproscopic surgery. Small incision, scope to aid the doctor to see what was inside. Less invasive, quicker recovery(...I'll take some fries with that). I phoned the center and the voice on the other end was a rich accent (Jamaica?) and gentle. She asked all the questions I anticipated. I'd been down this road with my children and their pediatric disorders. Who? What? What kind of insurance? The quicker route would be to have my doctor's office call this center because everything is a referral. Making a decision to have a procedure like this is the first step the second, step is the business of it. Is it covered by insurance? The following Monday was a holiday and as it just happened to be, she was having a seminar with a few other patients. I would attend. That weekend went fast and Monday morning I was on my way down to New Port Richey, to the hospital, to the empty parking lot (holiday) to the office of Ivy. The first thing I did was sit down OF COURSE that is what fat people do when they first enter a room! (note to self: send that joke to Louis). We made our way across the hall to the meeting room. There is something about conference rooms that put me at ease. I expect a lecture, a Power Point because the screen is down and soon we are joined by a couple. Later I would exchange email addresses with "Patti" who happened to have a favorite color too...PURPLE! She saw my "Pattypreferspurple" email address on the sign up sheet and we clicked from that moment on. She had come with her husband. Then there was Gerry. I looked at them and we all seemed to have this spiritual connection. I was past being shy about my obesity, I'm big and I know it. After a few hours I was hungry and my sugar was getting low. I asked Ivy for a banana or something to raise my sugar, FOOD? She called down to the cafeteria and ordered up a few breakfast items and coffee. What do fat people love to do when they come together? ORDER IN! What did I care that there were pastries on the tray, I was here for a procedure that wouldn't allow me to eat more than 1 oz. of food, " A shot glass" as I put it. We laughed, ate, drank and got down to the business of filling out paperwork, copying identification cards and preparing ourselves for the business of weight loss. and it occurred to me. These people were smart, well articulated and with the collective as a group, we were already breaking down the percentages of the data on the Power Point and realizing that a large % of the group did not return post the procedure in the study group. So I admit that I too have the misperception that fat people are stupid, food numbed individuals who wile the hours away in front of a television doing everything but being nutritiously sound in mind and spirit. I'm beginning to learn a lot of WRONG things that like the rest of the world, I believe to be true.

Hi I thought I would introduce myself. Im Melinda 41 and live in London uk. I had my Sleeve done on the 8th February 2011 at the Hommerton Hospital In Hackney. I was first referred there by my diabetic doctor 14 momths previous to surgery. Having diabetes that was steadily getting worse, high blood pressure, high cholestrol wls was considered the best option for me. I went to my first appointment thinking of having a gastric band, they soon said no to that, and suggested I have the Gastric Bypass. So my starting weight was 17and a half stone. and at 4ft 11inches my bmi was 44, if i remember rightly. Before surgery I got down to 16 stones. I had complications during my surgery hence why I ended up having a Gastric Sleeve instead of a Bypass, they had a struggle to keep me alive, due to me having pnemonia. My post op period was herrendous, i had to have further surgery, and am still currently having breathing problems. I see the hospital every two weeks, and my doctors once a week. But I am now 6 weeks down the line and am feeling so much better than i did I am nearly me again, minus 33lbs lol... I no longer take blood pressure tablets, its normal for the first time in 16 yrs lol. But I am still due to my surgeons advice only on stage 2 of eating, ie mushy food, and I am still struggling with pain, am off to see my surgeon later today so hoping he can give me some advice. Anyway think ive kinda waffled abit now so will sign off for now.

Thank you. Weight loss surgery is something I thought about 20+ years ago but did not feel comfortable doing the gastric bypass. Looking back I regret all the fun times I have missed out with my children but so looking forward to making wonderful "active" memories with my grandsons!

I had a relatively low BMI I have a lapband because I didn't want to remove a body part. Now almost 10 months later I hate the lap band. (food getting stuck, not being able to eat chicken, meat....having to chew my food to a pulp) But I did lose weight! I am doing a revision to a sleeve. It is a hard choice. Best of luck on your decision! D.

Sure Michelle, I don't mind sharing at all! I believe that one of the biggest factors that has made me successful is tracking my food, fluid, and exercise. By doing this I find that if I fall off track I am able to hold myself more accountable for my actions. I exercise a fair amount, generally do at least an hour of cardio 3-4 times a week in addition to an hour to an hour and a half of hot yoga 2-3 times a week. The yoga has really helped me trim and tone not to mention it is a huge stress reducer for me. As far as what I am eating well.... for the most part I try to be good, but everyone has their slip ups right? I avoid pastas, breads, rice, and any other high carb content foods. My carbohydrate intake is generally about 40 grams/day and I try to eat at least 70 grams of protein in a day. I am a stickler for my fluid intake and I consume generally a minimum of 2 liters of water in a day. I avoid eating foods with high sugar content and for the most part stick to sugar free, if that is not an option I will not eat more than 5 grams of sugar in a meal. My average calorie intake is roughly 900-1000 calories a day. I am almost to my revised goal of 140 pounds, I know that to keep up my amount of physical exercise and to maintain 140# I will eventually have to increase my caloric intake which seems right now like it will be a difficult task. I stick to my vitamin regimen as well. I think my greatest challenge is getting past that little voice in my head telling me that I want junk food and that makes me want to eat even when I am not hungry. Also I have a 2 year old and an 8 month old + I work full time so fitting in all of my exercise is a challenge, but I have learned that if I don't I feel awful. Treating yourself is helpful too, get your hair and nails done.....makes me feel like a million bucks every time and it makes me want to try even harder to do the best I can. Good luck!